Tibetan Ritual & Tantric Objects and Ghau Boxes

The collection below gives an overview of the many ritual-tantric objects I was able to acquire over the last 30 years. In quality and number, it is today one of the most outstanding collections of its kind. Even insiders of Nepali-Tibetan art were amazed and delighted by these pieces.

Small coral Tara figure inside an arched filigree shrine set with coral and turquoise

Ref. 06-138Tara in Shrine, Coral7.5 cm · coral figure in a metal shrine set with stonesCHF 900

Elongated carved ivory panel with a central deity and consort amid many small relief figures

Ref. 07-132Shakti Miniature in Ivory15.5 cm · ivoryCHF 1'800

Silver filigree gau shrine with a turquoise dancing dakini, set with coloured stones

Ref. 07-130Silver Gau with Turquoise Dakini16 cm · silver and turquoiseCHF 1'800

Blue lapis Vajrapani figure in a stone-set silver aureole on a stepped base

Ref. 06-122Vajrapani Altar, Lapis and Silver14 cm · lapis lazuli and silverCHF 980

Small red coral Green Tara figure before a filigree aureole set with pink-red stones

Ref. 06-120Green Tara, Coral6 cm · coralCHF 2'900

Turquoise carving of Padmasambhava mounted on a gilt-appearing repoussé base

Ref. 06-107Padmasambhava, Turquoise14 cm · turquoise on a gilt-appearing baseCHF 900

Silver altar of Vishnu on Garuda, pointed back densely set with red, blue and turquoise stones

Ref. 05-058Vishnu on Garuda, Silver Altar18 cm · silver set with coloured stonesCHF 900

Small gold Tara seated on a lotus with lowered right leg, red and turquoise inlays

Ref. 06-134Tara, Gold with Silver Back5 cm · gold (26 g), silver backCHF 3'000

Wing-shaped amulet box densely set with turquoise and coral-coloured stones and applied figures

Ref. 06-119Ghau with Vajradhara and Manjushri16 cmCHF 2'900

Opened golden amulet box with engraved lid, red interior with small figure and jewelled pendant

Ref. 06-133Ghau with Mahakala, Gold6.5 cm · gold (126 g)CHF 15'500

Arched filigree amulet box set with red and green stones, red Tara figure in the window

Ref. 05-057Filigree Ghau with Coral Tara10 cm · filigree metal with coral figureCHF 2'200

Two mirror-image ritual blades with curved steel blades, makara heads and gilt-appearing vajra handles

Ref. 236:M323Katar Dagger (pair shown)23 cmCHF 330 (each)

Tibetan knife with straight steel blade, pale handle and decorated silver sheath with leather strap

Ref. 80Tibetan Knife with Silver Shaft27 cm · steel blade, silverCHF 250

Wrathful Bhairava mask with bulging eyes, third eye, fangs and a crown of skulls

Ref. 05-052Bhairava Mask37 cm · appears to be metal with gilt tracesCHF 480

Carved white conch shell with embossed golden metal flange and mouthpiece

Ref. 05-050Sankha (Conch Shell)26 cm · conch shell with metal mountsCHF 950

Gilt-appearing altar stupa with stepped square base, niche in the dome and tiered spire

Ref. 05-021Tibetan Stupa (Repose)48 cm · appears to be gilt metalCHF 1'450

Ghau prayer box with turquoise Chakrasamvara in an arched window, frame set with coloured stones

Ref. 05-014Ghau Prayer Box, Chakrasamvara, Turquoise10 cm · turquoise in a stone-set metal boxCHF 1'200

Ritual-tantric objects are found exclusively in connection with Lamaism. In monasteries they are essential for practice and meditation, and they are also used for celebrations and religious festivals.

Tibetans have an unwavering faith that accompanies them through every part of life. During festivals and on pilgrimages, which often take several weeks across the mountains, they always carry an altar for their prayers. A ghau box – an amulet box – is made of common metal, silver or gold and usually contains written devotions or personal items. Following Indian ideals, it is decorated with semi-precious stones, very rarely with a gemstone. Tibetan, Nepali and other Himalayan people often wore a ghau as jewellery. Precious ghau boxes of silver or gold were artfully designed and allowed their owners to show both their wealth and their deep faith.

FAQ

What are ritual-tantric objects used for?

They are used in monasteries for practice and meditation, and during celebrations and religious festivals. Typical examples include ritual blades, vessels and masks.

What is inside a ghau box?

Traditionally written prayers, blessed objects or personal items. Please ask if you would like details on the contents of a specific box.

Are the stones genuine?

Materials are given as described by the original seller and have not been laboratory tested. Please contact me for more photos or details.

Important: all descriptions of the ritual-tantric objects were provided to Fine Asian Art by the original seller and may contain inaccuracies. All indications of age are given without scientific testing. All offers are subject to prior sale and price changes. More information or additional photos of an object can be provided on request.

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